THE wife of Coronation Street star Bill Roache died of natural causes as a result of a heart condition, a coroner's office has said.

Sara Roache, 58, died at the couple's home in Wilmslow, Cheshire, last February.

Sara Roache
Her 77-year-old husband has played Ken Barlow in the ITV1 soap since its first episode in December 1960.

The couple, who were described as inseparable, had been married for 30 years and had two grown-up children.

A spokeswoman for Cheshire Coroner's office said an inquest into the death was held on November 5. She said the coroner heard the cause of death was cardiac arrhythmia and recorded a verdict of natural causes.

According to the charity Arrhythmia Alliance, the condition causes the heart to beat either too fast or too slow. The organisation said it affects about two million people in the UK.

Actress Mrs Roache was a well known charity fundraiser and dedicated her time and effort to many good causes.

Following her death Mr Roache paid an emotional tribute to his ``perfect wife'' at a packed memorial service attended by family and friends, including a host of Coronation Street stars.

He recalled meeting the "beautiful, vibrant girl'' 35 years ago, saying she became a perfect wife and mother to their children Verity and Will.